COLUMBIA -- In response to recent Midwest floods, the South Carolina Methodist Committee On Relief is organizing a "flood bucket" aid program.

The flood buckets will provide flood victims with items needed to clean houses damaged by flood waters.

"We have all seen the news, and our hearts are touched by the tragic flooding our brothers and sisters continue to endure," said Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor of the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. "It is my prayer that we will respond generously to these, our neighbors in need. Flood buckets are a vital first step in helping these flooding survivors restore day-to-day life and prevent even greater tragedy. I am thankful that United Methodist Volunteers In Mission are there to help."

To fund this relief, the United Methodist Conference Center in Columbia is accepting flood bucket donations. The cost to equip a flood bucket is $50. Checks can be made payable to the Conference Treasurer and sent to 4908 Colonial Dr., Columbia, SC 29203. Please note on the check that it is for UMCOR Advance #901670.

Contributors can also assemble their own fully stocked flood buckets for donation. Drop-off points for flood buckets are listed on the Conference Web site at www.umcsc.org. Each flood bucket should include:

* 5-gallon bucket with resealable lid

* Bleach (two 1-quart or one 82-ounce bottle. Do not include bleach if you are shipping the bucket through the U.S. Postal Service, UPS or FedEx.)

* 5 scouring pads

* 7 sponges

* 1 scrub brush

* 18 cleaning towels (reusable wipes)

* Liquid laundry detergent (two 25-ounce or one 50-ounce bottle)

* 1 household cleaner (12-16-ounce)

* Disinfectant dish soap (16-28-ounce)

* 50 clothes pins

* Clothesline (two 50-foot or one 100-foot)

* 5 dust masks

* 2 pair latex gloves

* 1 pair work gloves

* 24-bag roll of heavy-duty trash bags (33-45-gallon; remove roll from box before placing in bucket)

* 1 insect repellent spray (6-14-ounce can; if aerosol cans, they must have protective caps)

* 1 air freshener (8-9-ounce; if aerosol cans, they must have protective caps)

NOTE: If the requested item size is not available, go down to the next available size. If nothing is available in the requested or smaller size, put masking tape on the outside of the bucket and write, "This bucket contains no _____." All items in kits must be new. Do not include personal notes, money or additional materials in the kits. If aerosols or flammables are included, please ship kits by UPS Ground, FedEx Ground or by truck. Do not ship U.S. Postal Service or DHL/Airborne freight.

For more information, call Matt Brodie at 803-786-9486, ext. 265.

Special to The T&D

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